TTTE S3E9 - Henry's Forest

The most controversial season three episode is under my microscope!

THE OPINIONS, THOUGHTS AND MUSINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF ZACK WANZER, NOT THE THOMAS FANDOM IN GENERAL

For season three, half of the stories were adapted from the Railway Series, eleven of them were based off Andrew Brenner's original magazine stories, and two were originals. One of these episodes based off the magazine stories, Henry's Forest, infuriated Awdry and complained about Henry and his crew breaking British Railway Rule 55, which was introduced due to various accidents caused by signalmen who forgot that trains were standing on a running line, even if they were within sight of their signalboxes. He also complained about trees being too close to the line as a potential fire hazard, even if Britt claimed that other railways had done the same thing.

Do those flaws really affect the episode in any way, shape or form? That's what I'm about to find out!

Season 3, Episode 9

Henry's Forest

Based on the magazine stories by Andrew Brenner

Adapted by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton

The episode starts off by saying that Henry has been on Sodor for many years; it's not reintroducing him to the audience, it's explaining that he'd never want to be anywhere else. We then see him arriving at his forest, and we get a flashback of him, Terence and Trevor helping to plant new trees, now growing among the rest of the older trees.

Henry loves being in his forest because it's peaceful, but one night, a storm rages and decimates the forest. Henry is terribly broken-hearted and worries for the animals that live here. It was nice of him to show some concern for the wildlife that lives in the forest, but keep in mind that the episode has very little to nothing about animals. Henry then takes logs loaded on his flatbeds to the timber mill where they'll be reused for furniture.

Seeing how sad Henry is, Toby speaks to the Fat Controller who has him take young trees to the forest. I love Toby's role here; he's willing to help his friend feel better, and that shows his true persona. Henry feels happier when told that with the new trees, the hillside will be better than ever.

I can see Henry's Forest from both sides, but I think it's very emotional in a good way. I don't look for 100% perfection in every episode, but if I find it, then I'm a happy guy. I do know that there's flaws that can destroy an entire episode (Edward Strikes Out) and the little mistakes that create minor distractions, as shown here. I am aware that Awdry didn't like the episode, but I still think it's very good nonetheless. Frankly, it's Oscar-worthy compared to the likes of James to the Rescue.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Thomas and Friends Season 3 Scorecard

1. A Scarf for Percy: 8.5

9. Henry's Forest: 9

26. Thomas and Percy's Christmas (Mountain) Adventure: 7.5 (UK) / 4 (US)